A Montrose man phoned police to say he would pepper spray officers and unleashed a can of pet-safe spray at a constable who came to his home.
The doorstep confrontation took place just a day after police had conducted a welfare check at the man’s home.
Shaun Murray, 40, has been on remand since his bizarre April 999 call and appeared from custody at Dundee Sheriff Court.
On April 2, Murray phoned police just after 6.30pm to warn them he had a can of the illicit spray and threatened to use it towards officers.
During the call, he also claimed to have a knife.
Officers were dispatched to his home at Lamb Way and could hear shouting as they approached his front door.
He initially told police not to come in but after a few minutes opened the door.
Murray was clutching two aerosol cans, one of which police believed could be CS spray.
He discharged one of the sprays, missing an officer’s feet.
‘I want to be sprayed’
Although Murray did put down one can, he refused to release the other.
He told police: “I want to be sprayed. I’ll spray you first and you’ll have to spray me.”
He then placed the can on a shelf and told police: “I’ll give you five seconds to grab it” before verbally counting down.
An officer lunged for the can, seized it and Murray was restrained.
The can was later revealed to be a pet-safe animal deterrent spray.
The other can was also found not to be CS spray.
After being arrested, Murray said: “Officers said it’s OK to have that spray as it’s an animal spray.”
Reports ordered
Murray pled guilty to communicating threateningly to the police call handler, acting in an abusive manner towards officers who came to his door and assaulting PC Andrew Spink by brandishing two cans and spraying one at him.
Defending, solicitor Scott Norrie said: “Mr Murray has been in custody since April 4.
“He’s effectively served the equivalent of a 12-month sentence.
“Mr Murray has a very limited record. He has psychiatric issues.
“He has had support in place prior to this incident.
“In fact, the day before this incident, a member of the police had attended at his home following a report.”
Sheriff Gregor Murray ordered reports and deferred sentencing until October 31.
He said: “I accept, having regard to your record and the period of time you have been remanded, when we get to sentencing there is a distinct possibility you will be released in the community.
“I can only release you if you can be safely managed.”
